Member Of Yankees’ Legendary World Series Championship Roster Dies

Member Of Yankees’ Legendary World Series Championship Roster Dies

LEE'S SUMMIT, Missouri — "The 1961 Yankees season is remembered for the home run chase, a milestone year for Whitey Ford and 109 victories — still the seventh-most wins in a single MLB season — but what shouldn't be forgotten is the fact that the Yankees were in a bona fide pennant race for virtually the entire year," Rich Thomaselli wrote for MLB.com.

Official response and confirmed impact

"Although Maris and Mantle led the way with 61 and 54 homers, respectively, the Yankees were far from a 1-2 punch, boasting nine players with at least 10 doubles.

And it wasn't just the offense: It was a tough lineup to crack because of the defense, as well." And now that historic roster has now lost another member.

Roland "Rollie" Sheldon, a right-handed pitcher who spent parts of six seasons in the major leagues and was a member of the Yankees during their 1961 and 1962 World Series championship seasons, died Monday, August 31, 2026, at 89.

According to a local obituary, "Roland 'Rollie' Sheldon of Lee's Summit, MO died at the end of last month.

The obituary noted that Sheldon had a special place in his heart for Yankees manager Ralph Houk, who helped make his dream of becoming a professional baseball player a reality in 1961.